Is Laos safe to visit?

Yes — Laos is one of Southeast Asia's safest destinations. Petty crime is rare, locals are famously welcoming, and our small group tours travel with experienced English-speaking guides throughout.

When is the best time to visit Laos?

The cool dry season (November to February) is ideal for most travellers. Visit in mid-April if you want to experience the colourful Lao New Year (Pi Mai) water festival.

What is Laos famous for?

Laos is famous for the UNESCO city of Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, golden Buddhist temples, the dawn alms ceremony, the 4,000 Islands archipelago, hill tribe cultures and being Southeast Asia's most relaxed country.

How big are your Laos tour groups?

Our Laos group tours have a maximum of 12 travellers, allowing genuine cultural immersion and access to villages and experiences large groups simply can't reach.

Do I need a visa for Laos?

Most nationalities (including UK, US, EU, Canada and Australia) can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa in advance. Your passport must have at least six months' validity.

What's the food like in Laos?

Lao cuisine is fragrant, herbal and lightly spiced — expect sticky rice, larb (minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (papaya salad), fresh river fish and French-influenced baguettes. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

LaosFrom £3,1952 tours

Laos Tours & Holiday

Laos tours through the Mekong, mountains and monasteries — small group holidays in Southeast Asia's most peaceful and least-visited country

Best timeNov–Feb & Mar–Apr
Time zoneICT (UTC+7)
CurrencyLao (official), French & English
LanguageLao (official), French & English
Travel styleSmall group & slow travel
TransportVehicles, boats, flights, bikes & tuk-tuks
VisaVisa-on-arrival/e-Visa for most nationals (30 days)

Overview

An introduction to Laos

Laos tours offer one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding and unhurried journeys. Often overlooked beside its busier neighbours, Laos is a landlocked kingdom of gleaming temple roofs, French colonial architecture, dense jungle plateaux, and the slow-flowing Mekong River — the lifeblood that connects hill tribe villages in the north to the lazy river archipelago of the 4,000 Islands in the south.

Our small group Laos holidays travel from the French-colonial capital of Vientiane through the tribal heartland of Luang Namtha, the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang and its famous dawn alms ceremony, across the coffee-growing Bolaven Plateau, and down to the riverine landscapes of Si Phan Don. Laos rewards travellers who value culture, slow travel, and genuine connection over rushed itineraries and crowded tourist sites.

Explore

Laos

Our journeys

Tours in Laos

Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.

Laos and Cambodia Encompassed

Laos and Cambodia, neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, are known for the World Heritage Sites of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat and for their shared rich French colonial past. On this extended tour we not only take in the key sights, but we take the time to get off the tourist trail and to uncover what makes these two destinations so special.

From

£5,395

Laos – The Secret Heart of Asia

A unique tour to South East Asia’s best kept secret, Laos, where we get well beyond the tourist trail. We start this cultural odyssey in Vientiane, Laos’ delightfully friendly capital, studded with crumbling French mansions, bougainvillea-blooming streets and steaming noodle stalls. Next up is the little visited North of Laos to experience the ethnic diversity of the many hill tribes in the region of Luang Namtha and observe local customs and traditions. A 2-day journey down the mighty Mekong River then awaits culminating in an arrival in Luang Prabang, which captivates even the most jaded travellers with its brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multi-ethnic inhabitants. Nest we head south to the spectacular lush jungle of the Bolaven Plateau and immerse ourselves in authentic coffee culture and visit some of the most alluring scenery in Asia, the landscape scattered with volcanos and sparkling waterfalls. The conclusion of this off the beaten track adventure takes us to the enchanting 4000 islands, an area where time stands still, and revel in the joy of leisurely exploring villages by bicycle or tuk tuk and even try your hand at fishing. Join us to experience the hidden charms of Laos.

From

£3,195

Shanghai to Bangkok Rail Adventure

An epic overland rail adventure, operated by our partner Adventures by Train.

From

£6,490

All tours

Why visit

What makes Laos worth the journey

A place apart

Asia's Most Peaceful Country

Experience a slower pace, warm hospitality and a profoundly Buddhist culture rarely matched elsewhere in Asia.

UNESCO Heritage

Discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites — Luang Prabang's temple-filled old town and the Khmer ruins of Wat Phou.

Mekong River Adventures

Cruise, cycle and explore one of the world's great rivers from its mountainous north to the 4,000 Islands.

Authentic Hill Tribe Culture

Visit ethnic minority villages around Luang Namtha that remain remarkably untouched by mass tourism.

See itineraries

Next departure to Laos

Laos and Cambodia Encompassed

26 Oct 2026Guaranteed departurefrom £5,395 pp

View tour

Highlights

The highlights of Laos

Luang Prabang

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of golden-roofed temples, French colonial architecture and the famous dawn monk alms ceremony.

Vientiane

Discover the relaxed riverside capital, home to Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket and atmospheric noodle stalls along the Mekong.

Mekong River Cruise

Drift downstream on a two-day cruise through dramatic limestone landscapes and remote riverside villages.

Luang Namtha & Hill Tribes

Travel through the lush mountains of northern Laos and meet ethnic minority communities in their traditional villages.

Bolaven Plateau

Visit working coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls and indigenous villages in the cool southern highlands

4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don)

Cycle through traditional fishing villages and explore the lazy river archipelago of the southern Mekong.

Wat Phou

Discover the UNESCO-listed pre-Angkorian Khmer temple complex set against a sacred mountain backdrop.

Laos & Cambodia Combo

Extend through to Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, the Cardamom Mountains, Kep and Phnom Penh on our 29-day itinerary.

Places to Explore

Places to explore in Laos

Laos rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.

From the field

When to go

Picking the right season for your trip

The best time to visit Laos is during the cool dry season from November to February, when temperatures are mild (20–30°C), skies are clear and humidity is low — ideal for sightseeing, Mekong cruising and hill-tribe trekking. March to May is hot and dry (often above 35°C), with the Lao New Year (Pi Mai) water festival celebrated in mid-April. The southwest monsoon brings rain from June to October — lush green landscapes but heavier downpours, particularly in August and September. Northern Laos, including Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha, can be noticeably cooler than the lowlands during winter months, while the Bolaven Plateau stays pleasantly cool year-round.

Live weather

Laos

Looking to travel outside the typical windows? Our Laos tailor-made team can advise on the best time for you.

From the journal

Stories from the region

Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.

All Laos stories

Asia & Pacific

Chasing Waterfalls in Laos: A Guide to the Country's Most Spectacular Falls

From the famous turquoise pools of Kuang Si to the thundering rapids of Khone Phapheng, Laos hides a waterfall trail unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Here's where to find the best of them, from busy favourites to the quiet spots most travellers never see.

Jim Louth·6 Aug 2026

Asia & Pacific

Things to Do in Luang Prabang: A First-Timer's Guide to Laos' Sacred City

Luang Prabang, Laos' former royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage town, blends dawn alms-giving ceremonies, gilded Buddhist temples and the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls with quieter village traditions like the Baci blessing ceremony and home-cooked family meals. This guide covers the city's essential sights alongside its lesser-known cultural experiences.

Jim Louth·17 Jul 2026

Asia & Pacific

The Best Things to Do in Vientiane: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Vientiane is Laos’ quietly captivating capital — a compact, walkable city of golden Buddhist temples, French colonial streets, and one of the finest Mekong sunsets in South East Asia. Despite sitting in Luang Prabang’s shadow, the best things to do in Vientiane reward slow, curious travel: sacred stupas, living markets, humbling history at the COPE Centre, and evenings that end perfectly beside the river. This guide covers all of it.

Jim Louth·16 Jun 2026

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“Overall I had a fantastic time and people were responsive to issues and very helpful. Despite Laos being a landlocked country it clearly relies on the Mekong and so the holiday had a lot of water with a number of boat trips and visits to a number of waterfalls. All spectacular in their own right. There were also a number of visits to ethnic villages, perhaps a little repetitive but still interesting. Overall it was a fantastic trip with great staff and guides. If asked would I go back to Laos - I would - in a hearbeat. ”

Read full review

Christopher Sheen, UK

“Overall, a bucket list trip full of memorable moment”

Read full review

Jo Owen, UK

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

Read full review

Bernice Hird, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

Read full review

Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“I like the small size of groups, the range of destinations and excellent itineraries. This is my third holiday with your company and I have found your itineraries really good.”

Read full review

Traveller from the UK

“Excellent company to book with. Complex tour mostly delivered as per itinerary with professional and pleasant local representatives. ”

Read full review

Adam Choonara, UK

“I really appreciated Jason's help in answering all of my many questions re: Senegal trip in December 2025. I have a physical disability and I had a lot of accessibility questions for Jason! He was a true professional and was very supportive, warm and friendly and helped me a lot in making my decision to go ahead with the Senegal trip. I would like to thank Jason particularly for this service. I truly appreciate it and I am very thankful.”

Read full review

Ramnit Bassi, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Undiscovered Destinations is able to find wonderful support staff and will go to the far corners of the earth.”

Read full review

Patricia Taylor, UK

“This is my third trip with UD and all have been first rate. ”

Read full review

Judith Hoyle, UK

“I am very satisfied with every trip that I have doe with you since you match my interests in culture and tribal peoples.”

Read full review

Eric Ferkins, UK

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Laos journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

Gallery

Scenes from Laos

Tap any image

Tailor-made journeys

Didn’t find your
perfect Laos trip?

We’ll build one around you.

Tailor-made Laos holidays let you travel at the slow, considered pace this country deserves. A private journey can combine the UNESCO city of Luang Prabang with a Mekong cruise, the hill tribe villages of Luang Namtha, the coffee plantations of the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands — or extend across borders into Cambodia, Vietnam or Thailand. Whether your priority is Buddhist culture, river cruising, trekking with hill tribe communities, or simply unwinding in a riverside boutique hotel, we'll build an itinerary around your interests and pace. Private guides, internal flights, hand-picked accommodation and seamless logistics are all arranged so you can travel with confidence.

Your dates

Travel when it suits you

Private group

Just you, family or friends

Your pace

Linger longer, skip the rest

Bespoke extras

Private guides, rare access

Start planning your trip Speak to a specialist

Typical reply within 3 working days · No obligation · Trusted by travellers since 2004

How it works

1Tell us what you have in mind
2We build an itinerary + quote
3Refine until it feels right

Est. 2004

20+ years of
bespoke travel

Questions, answered

Planning a trip to Laos?

Yes — Laos is one of Southeast Asia's safest destinations. Petty crime is rare, locals are famously welcoming, and our small group tours travel with experienced English-speaking guides throughout.

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

Before travelling, consult the latest UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/laos. Laos is generally a safe destination, though travellers should be aware of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in remote rural areas — our Laos itineraries stick to safe, well-established routes. US travellers should check travel.state.gov for current guidance.